Question NW1557 to the Minister of Health
22 October 2018 - NW1557
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
(a) On what basis were dentists not included in the commuted overtime policy of his department, (b) were dentists consulted when the legislation was drafted and (c) what impact did this have on patient services?
Reply:
(a) The system of commuted overtime was introduced for those clinical services where the after hour service is required on a regular and continuous basis. In the case of Dentists, the Commuted Overtime policy does include Maxillo Facial Surgery which is required on a regular and continuous basis.
Other Oral Health services are not routinely required on a regular and continuous basis.
Where oral health services are required after normal working hours, the normal overtime remuneration dispensation applies.
(b) The Commuted Overtime policy is an operational policy and not legislation.
(c) There is no impact on patient services